Advocate Health has submitted a proposal to the Illinois Health Facilities & Services Review Board for a nearly $100 million comprehensive cancer center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. The ambitious plan aims to centralize outpatient oncology services that are currently dispersed across the hospital campus, enhancing patient convenience and care efficiency.
The proposed development includes a two-floor expansion to the hospital’s Center for Advanced Care, adding approximately 77,605 square feet of new construction. Additionally, about 5,813 square feet of existing outpatient laboratory space will be renovated, bringing the total project size to around 83,000 square feet. This transformation is designed to significantly increase the capacity for infusion, transplant, and cellular therapy services, as well as to consolidate hematology and oncology clinics into one integrated location. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
Advocate’s proposal outlines a comprehensive plan to enhance oncological care, which includes expanding the transplant and cellular therapy programs, as well as improving infusion services. A modernized outpatient laboratory will also be part of the upgrade, alongside resources for clinical trials, supportive care, and patient navigation services.
Context in Chicago’s Competitive Cancer Care Market
This initiative from Advocate Health comes at a time of increasing competition in the cancer care landscape in the Chicago area. Nearby, Duly Health & Care is set to open the Brian Moran Cancer Institute in Lisle on December 15, 2025. This facility aims to enhance access to oncology services in the western suburbs, reflecting a broader trend among healthcare providers to expand their cancer care offerings.
Additionally, the University of Chicago Medicine is constructing a 575,000-square-foot freestanding cancer pavilion in Hyde Park, which is scheduled to open in 2027. This facility will significantly enhance both inpatient and outpatient cancer services. Other major health systems, including Endeavor Health, Northwestern, and Rush, are also investing in expanding their oncology services to meet growing patient demand.
Next Steps for Advocate Health’s Proposal
Once submitted, Advocate’s application will undergo a thorough review process by the Illinois Health Facilities & Services Review Board. This includes staff analyses, a public comment period, and potentially a public hearing before a final decision is made regarding the project. The board’s primary mandate is to assess whether the proposed project aligns with community healthcare needs and avoids unnecessary duplication of services.
If approved, Advocate Health plans to commence construction in alignment with its operational target of late 2028. For patients in Park Ridge and the surrounding northern suburbs, the new cancer center promises to provide enhanced access to vital oncology services, all concentrated in a single, convenient location.
Advocate Health has not yet provided additional details regarding staffing or specific timelines following the completion of the center, but the proposal signifies a significant investment in cancer care, particularly outpatient services, as a critical area of focus for healthcare systems in the region.